Specialist Facilities
Teaching Staff
Learning Environment
Course Overview
Duration
Entry Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning
Bridging Courses
Tuition Fees
Employment Outcomes
Course Outline

Course Code: HEESAAQUAC
CRICOS Code: 051679G

NMIT is the first Victorian TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at the bachelor level.

This course is for school leavers and international students who wish to enter the aquaculture industry or other related organisations, and mature-age applicants who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in aquaculture.

Aquaculture Gallery

Course Location and Contact Information

Specialist Facilities

NMIT has established the Aquaculture Training and Applied Research Centre, a research and commercial facility designed to industry standards.

The Centre provides specialist equipment to enable students to learn and experiment under supervision and includes fresh and salt water facilities, indoor re-circulating systems, water quality laboratory, live feeds production research laboratory and fully integrated monitoring alarm systems. Future developments will include an aquatic animal health laboratory and fish hatchery.

Specialist equipment for freezing, processing and packaging of product from aquaculture is provided at the NMIT Primary Industries Production Training Centre.

Together, these specialist facilities support teaching, supervised practice and NMIT's applied research.

Teaching Staff

Head of the Higher Education Applied Aquaculture Program

The Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture is taught by highly-qualified academic and internationally respected staff supported by highly experienced industry practitioners.

The Learning Environment

• A supportive learning environment with small classes and supervised hands on experience.
• Practical involvement with industry through NMIT's aquaculture facilities and through field trips and industry experience.
• A combination of theory and its application in industry scale facilities supported by academic staff and industry practitioners.

Course Overview

This innovative multi-disciplinary course combines aquatic biology, aquatic animal culture, aquaculture engineering, aquatic environmental management, business management and applied research - essential elements of the contemporary aquaculture industry. The course has a practical orientation to enable students to develop the commercial applications that will allow them to manage, own or operate a commercial aquaculture enterprise. The course places an emphasis on integrating theory and practice, learning in commercial-scale aquaculture facilities, multi-disciplinary regarding aquatic study, environmental management and applied research.

The Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture consists of 26 subjects including industry placement. These placements take place in vacation time between years 2 and 3 and are not part of the semester workload. The course has five strands of learning: Biology, Aquaculture Engineering, Aquatic Environmental Management, Business Management and Applied Research.

Practical and high-level vocational skills will be developed through extensive training periods at the commercial-scale aquaculture facilities managed by NMIT. Fieldwork is undertaken on placement at approved commercial farms and government agencies.

Course delivery includes problem solving and team based projects, workshops, laboratory sessions, discussion groups, field work, on site research and development projects in experimental facilities that replicate commercial practices.

Duration

Full time: 3 years

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of Year 12 VCE/HSC or recognised equivalent with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, or
• Successful completion of a TAFE Diploma course in aquaculture, or
• Mature age entry where applicants can demonstrate capacity to undertake work at degree level.

An additional requirement for international students is

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants may seek recognition for prior learning where work of an advanced and related nature has been undertaken.

Bridging Courses

Bridging courses (usually 4 weeks long) that cover the essential knowledge in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, which are required for first-year subjects, are available.

Tuition Fees

AUD$12,000 per annum


Above tuition fees are for full-time study. Part-time fees per year depend on subjects chosen. No amenities fees are charged for any higher education courses.

Part-time study is available for domestic students only.

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Employment Outcomes

With rapid expansion of the Australian and international aquaculture industry in both marine and fresh water sectors there is a need for skilled professionals to improve sustainability in both production and management.

A graduate in applied aquaculture will be equipped to enter the expanding field of aquaculture in Australia and overseas. Graduates of this program will also be well equipped in persuing careers in other organisations, such as primary industry bodies, environmental agencies, natural resourse management agencies, local councils, water authorities or international organisations.

A degree in applied aquaculture provides a pathway into careers outside of science such as those in management and the leisure and tourism industry.

Graduates will be equipped to continue on to postgraduate study or employment as professionals in the aquaculture industry.

Course Outline

Year 1 Semester 1

BAA101 Introduction to Aquaculture
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this introductory subject is to develop knowledge of aquaculture principles, national and international practices, aquaculture related govt. rules and regulations, the species and the levels of production, future prospects and directions. The learning experience will be enhanced through direct contact with representatives from the industry and government during site visits and guest lecturers.

BAA102 Biology of Aquatic Animals I
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The Biology of Aquatic Animals is a two semester subject. The purpose of the first semester of this subject is to develop knowledge of taxonomy related to the morphology of aquatic animals. The purpose of the second semester is to further develop knowledge of biological concepts by focusing on the physiological processes of aquatic animals.

BAA105 Applied Algology
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of and practical skills in the production of algae species in aquaculture facilities. Algal production in some form is a fundamental part of many modern marine farm operations and an understanding of algal population dynamics is useful in understanding ecological processes.

BAA109 Aquatic Chemistry and Biochemistry
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
This subject develops knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry through an analysis of the chemical composition of water in relation to environmental variables, the fundamental nutrient cycles in nature and the biochemistry of physiological processes in aquatic animals.

BAA104 Practical Computing
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop practical skills in the maintenance of computer hardware and networks and the use of computer software for applied research, business management and aquaculture management. Using data generated at the NMIT Aquaculture Training and Research Centre will develop practical knowledge and the software demonstrated will be used regularly in other subjects in the course.

BAA108 Aquaculture Engineering I
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
This subject will develop knowledge of engineering principles and physical laws in relation to the construction of aquaculture facilities. Students will evaluate the relationships between physical laws, functional design and operating characteristics of aquaculture plant and equipment.

BAA110 Biology of Aquatic Animals II
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this second semester subject is to further develop knowledge of biological concepts by focusing on the physiological approaches used by different animal groups to cope with environmental variables, the physiological basis of life processes including respiration, reproduction, metabolism, movement and osmoregulation.

BAA112 Applied Zooplankton
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of and practical skills in the production of live zooplankton species in aquaculture facilities. Zooplankton is an important source of food for small animals such as fish and prawns. Setting up and managing cultures of rotifers, daphnia and copepods at the NMIT centre will enable the development of practical skills in continuous plankton culture techniques, while methods for using and enriching Artemia will provide skills in batch culture techniques.

BAA201 Aquaculture Engineering II
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the design features, mode of construction and operation of recirculation systems for the production of aquatic animals and the maintenance of suitable water quality.

BAA202 Aquatic Animal Nutrition
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop detailed knowledge of animal nutrition related to the feeding of aquaculture animals for economically optimal growth in intensive aquaculture systems. Practical development will be undertaken at the NMIT Aquaculture Training and Research Centre where students will undertake feeding experiments and trials using prepared feeds.

BAA205 Scientific Project Design and Presentation
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of research methods particularly related to commercial contexts. The subject will examine approaches to experimental design, the design of experiments in commercial contexts, commercial applications from research and approaches to scientific writing and reviewing.

BAA211 Business Management and Marketing I
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of business structures and the strategic planning required for establishing and operating a small business project effectively and safely. A capacity for forward planning and the evaluation of business opportunities will be developed through the production of a business plan.

BAA206 Aquaculture Engineering III
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the design, construction and operation of ponds, sea cages, long-lines and other marine structures as well as water reticulation from the marine environment to onshore facilities.

BAA212 Reproduction and Genetics of Aquaculture Animals
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop detailed knowledge of reproduction and genetics in relation to egg production techniques, stock improvement and selection programs for use in aquaculture farms. A practical approach to genetics will include selection methods for use on farms and the use of ploidy manipulation and hybridization.

BAA213 Applied Mollusc and Crustacean Aquaculture
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of and skills in the production of mollusc and crustacean species in aquaculture facilities. In addition, involvement in spawning and larval rearing of both the animals at the NMIT Aquaculture Training and Research Centre will provide students with direct practical experience in hatchery processes while visits to operating farms will provide examples of commercial practice. Practical classes will be supported by extensive theoretical teaching in the classroom.

BAA214 Business Management and Marketing II
(*EFTSL Value 0.125)
(Subject Fees: $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop business or project accounting skills and to analyze the Australian business environment in terms of taxation and legal issues affecting business. A primary focus will be the analysis of business opportunities, the effect of new technology, the use of break-even and cost/benefit analyses to make accurate predictions of future performance.

BAA207 Aquatic Animal Health
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop detailed knowledge of animal health related to identification, control and revention of diseases, farm hygiene, relevant legislation and quarantine laws. The subject will also develop techniques for handling animals on farms and for translocation of aquaculture animals.

BAA302 Seafood Processing and Food Safety Management
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the handling and processing strategies of product from aquaculture farms. A capacity for critical assessment of risk and the identification of critical control points will be developed through food safety management plans as food safety is one of the most critical tasks undertake by seafood production managers. Processing, product design and product quality is also studied.

BAA303 Practical Crustacean Aquaculture
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of and practical skills in the production of crustacean species in aquaculture facilities. Involvement in spawning and larval rearing of crustaceans at the NMIT aquaculture facilities will provide students with direct practical experience in hatchery processes while visits to operating farms will provide examples of commercial practice.

BAA304 Practical Marine Fish and Salmonid Aquaculture
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of and practical skills in the production of marine fish and salmonid species in aquaculture facilities. Students will undertake spawning and larval rearing of marine fish and salmonids at the NMIT Aquaculture Training and Research Centre and will visit commercial operations.

BAA305 Aquaculture Project
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to provide students with the opportunity to conduct their own research projects in small groups. This will involve the application of the knowledge and skills developed over the first two years of the course in the design and management of a practical research project, the analysis and presentation of the results of the research project.

BAA305 Aquaculture Project (Continued from semester 1)

BAA306 Aquaculture Engineering IV
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the maintenance of operating equipment and the methods to manage systems so as to reduce failures and cope with emergencies. Students will be required to produce risk management plans and maintenance schedules to sole complex hypothetical problems.

BAA307 Aquaculture Innovations
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of new and innovative forms of aquaculture, products and technology that are presently being developed or assessed in Australia and overseas. Students will discuss and evaluate new technologies and their potential for the expansion of the industry in terms of improved production, efficiency, sustainability and reduced operating costs.

BAA308 Aquaculture Marketing and Communication
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the principles of marketing, distribution and communications and to apply the principles to seafood products and the aquaculture industry. A capacity for critical analysis will be developed through SWOT analysis of products and the identification of target markets.

BAA309 Practical Freshwater Finfish Aquaculture
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge and practical skills in the production of freshwater finfish species in aquaculture facilities. Involvement in spawning and larval rearing of freshwater finfish at the NMIT Aquaculture Training and Research Centre will provide students with direct practical experience in hatchery processes while visits to commercial farms will provide examples of commercial practice.

BAAFW310 Advanced Fieldwork (Industry Placement during vacation)
(*EFTSL Value 0.1)
(Subject Fees: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to provide advanced practical experience in commercial or government institutions and to gain hands on experience in an environment external to NMIT. Students will undertake 8 weeks work on placement at approved participating institutions. Students will carry out the daily operations at the facility while gaining valuable practical experience working in aquaculture.

*EFTSL: Equivalent Full Time Student Load

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